How to Choose a Single Room Humidifier

When a family is looking to add a humidifier, it's usually for a child's room. Humidifiers will help children with stuffy noses, especially in dry winter air. Also of note, a humidifier can also help dispel snoring that is caused by that same dry air. Although every room humidifier will add moisture to the air, there are different features and options to consider. This outline will help you to choose the best humidifier for your specific needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape

1. Using a measuring tape, figure out the dimensions of the room you are putting the humidifier in. Then look for machines that work in a larger size room. Individual room humidifiers tend to cover a smaller area then stated on the box.

2. A cool air humidifier will cool a room a degree or two. A warm air humidifier will heat a room a degree or two. Choose the one that is appropriate for your climate conditions.

3. Humidifiers will come with some degree of noise unless you plan to purchase a high end unit. The water draining into the unit from the water chamber will also create a sudden noise. Decide what level of noise you are willing to deal with and then look for units that are quiet or exceptionally quiet.

4. All humidifiers require you to replace filters--which is a necessary, added cost. Best to purchase a couple of replacement filters at the same time that you buy the unit itself. Instructions included in the unit will explain how often filters require changing.

5. Make sure that your humidifier manufacturer states that it does not produce "white dust." In lower end units this can be a by-product of transmitting moisture into the air. Adding moisture with dust isn't on most people's list of desired features, especially for those with dust allergies.

6. Most single room humidifiers will raise the humidity a small amount but this is usually sufficient to dispel any nasal or sleeping issues. If the humidifier states that it will raise the humidifier in a room by over 35 percent, then make sure that the unit comes with a built-in humidistat. This will measure the moisture in the air and turn off when it reaches the desired level.

7. Check to see if the humidifier you are interested in is dishwasher safe. This will making cleaning a breeze.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to add a humidifier to more than one room, then you may wish to consider a full house unit that needs to be professionally installed. It will actually cost less than buying a unit for multiple rooms (cost of units and all their filters).
• You don't want to raise humidity in a room by more than 40 percent. Once you change the humidity to over 50 percent, it will encourage mold growth and dust mite populations. If you live in a dry area, a single room humidifier won't usually be able to raise the humidity to or beyond 30 percent. However if you live in an area that already has humidity in the air, you should only consider units that have a humidistat or only turn on the unit at night to add moisture in the room. If you use the "turn off" option, then be aware that you will need to drain out the water and let it dry out during the day.
• Warm air humidifier can contain a heating element, which is not advisable for a child's room or for use by the elderly.